Truro dentist honoured to receive special volunteer award

‘It was a tough few years but was worth it’

Published on July 4, 2014

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Truro dentist Peter Thomson shows a new infection control manual for provincial dental offices that he was instrumental in creating. For his efforts, he was recently presented with a dental-related volunteer of the year award. Monique Chiasson – Truro Daily News

TRURO – Dr. Peter Thomson is a busy man who goes the extra mile for the betterment of his profession.

The Truro dentist is also the chairman of the Nova Scotia Dental

Association’s clinical affairs committee and was recently acknowledged for his significant contributions with a T.D. Ingham volunteer of the year award. The award bears the name of a dentist, Terry Ingham, who practiced in Halifax and is now deceased.

“It’s an honour to be recognized by my peers and colleagues. It was totally unexpected,” said Thomson, referring to the honour that specifically congratulates his volunteer hours spent on developing a new infection control manual for provincial dental offices. The workload was shared with Dr. Vivian Khouri of Bedford and Dr. Mark Sutherland of Halifax, who also received volunteer of the year awards.

“It took about two years to do it. It was a tough few years but was worth it and I’m proud of it … it’s all about client safety and health,” Thomson said of the 56-page manual that he describes as “up-to-date, state-of-the-art, easy-to-read and comprehensive.”

Thomson said it’s extremely satisfying to work on a project that “gives back to the betterment of patients. It’s important for the education of younger colleagues too.”

Steve Jennex, executive director of the Nova Scotia Dental Association, who is based in Halifax, described Thomson as a “go-to (and) understated guy” who had a “monumental task” with the manual that required substantial research throughout Canada.

“He’s quietly confident and you can count on him … we are hearing accolades” about the manual and “community colleges want to use it too.”

Thomson added New Brunswick dentist offices have indicated they want to adopt the manual as well.